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Updated: May 20, 2026
09:46
Production and Measurement of Organic Particulate Matter in the Harvard Environmental Chamber
Published on: November 18, 2018
New developments on emerging organic pollutants in the atmosphere
Catia Balducci1, Mattia Perilli, Paola Romagnoli
1Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research-National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IIA), Via Salaria km 29.3, 00015 Monterotondo Stazione, RM, Italy. balducci@iia.cnr.it
Summary
Emerging organic contaminants are widespread in the environment, including the atmosphere, necessitating broader environmental monitoring beyond water. This study highlights the atmospheric diffusion of unexpected pollutants like illicit drugs and common chemicals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Analytical techniques advancements enable detection of novel environmental contaminants.
- Focus on water contamination by emerging compounds often overlooks atmospheric pathways.
- Atmospheric diffusion is a critical, yet understudied, route for contaminant spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the atmospheric presence and diffusion of emerging organic pollutants.
- To emphasize the need for investigating atmospheric contamination alongside traditional environmental compartments.
- To present examples of unexpected atmospheric contaminants and their environmental significance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of volatile methyl tert-butyl ether and siloxanes to assess atmospheric risk.
- Detection of illicit drugs in air samples to demonstrate unexpected atmospheric presence.
- Identification of tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide in aerosols.
Main Results:
- Confirmed atmospheric presence of volatile methyl tert-butyl ether and siloxanes.
- Unexpected detection of illicit drugs in atmospheric samples.
- Identification of emerging contaminants tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide in aerosols.
Conclusions:
- Organic emerging contaminants exhibit wide environmental diffusion, including the atmosphere.
- Atmospheric monitoring is crucial for understanding the full scope of contaminant exposure.
- Further research is needed to assess the risks associated with atmospheric organic pollutants.
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